IMMIGRATION
September 22, 2025
4:48 pm

Unlock Your Family’s Future: A Comprehensive Guide to the Cyprus Golden Visa for Spouses and Children

Cyprus, a sun-drenched Mediterranean island, has long been an appealing destination for individuals and families seeking a high quality of life, a stable economic environment, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. For many foreign investors and their families, the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program, often referred to as the “Golden Visa,” presents a valuable opportunity to establish a foothold in the European Union. With Cyprus’s anticipated Schengen Area accession by 2026, families securing Cyprus residency will gain the additional benefit of visa-free travel across all European Schengen states, making this an even more strategic investment in your family’s future mobility and opportunities.

This programme is particularly advantageous for families, offering a straightforward pathway to reside permanently in a safe and welcoming country. This detailed guide explores the intricacies of the Cyprus Golden Visa for families, covering the inclusion of spouses and children, detailed requirements for family members, and the excellent education and healthcare systems that await them.

Understanding the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program

The Cyprus Golden Visa is not a traditional visa, but rather a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) granted under the provisions of Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. This is an expedited scheme designed to attract foreign investment into the Cypriot economy. The core principle of the program is simple: a non-EU national makes a significant financial investment in the country, and in return, the government grants the investor and their eligible family members the right to reside in Cyprus indefinitely.

The key benefit of this program is its efficiency and inclusivity. The approval process is speedy, typically taking only a few months from the submission of a complete application. Unlike many other residency programs, it does not require the applicant to reside permanently in Cyprus to maintain their status. A single visit every two years is sufficient. This flexibility makes it an ideal solution for international business professionals and affluent individuals who require global mobility. For families, this means securing a safe and stable second home in the EU without the pressure of immediate and complete relocation.

Investment Options for Your Family’s Future

To qualify for the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program, the principal applicant must make a minimum investment of €300,000 (plus applicable VAT) in one of several approved categories. All funds for the investment must originate from outside the country. The choice of investment route depends on the family’s financial strategy and long-term goals.

A) Investment in Residential Real Estate

This is the most popular and straightforward option for many families. The applicant is required to purchase a “first-time” residential property directly from a real estate developer.

Investment Threshold: A minimum purchase price of €300,000, plus VAT. The VAT rate is typically 5% for a primary residence, but it can be as high as 19% in other cases.

Property Type: The applicant can purchase up to two residential units (houses or apartments) to meet the total value. For instance, one could buy a family apartment in Limassol and a holiday home near the beaches of Paphos.

Important Note: The properties must be new. Resale properties are generally not eligible unless the original sale contract was filed before 7 May 2013.

B) Investment in Commercial Real Estate

This option offers more flexibility in terms of property type and allows for potential rental income from a business.

Investment Threshold: A minimum of €300,000, plus VAT (usually 19%).

Property Type: This category encompasses assets such as offices, shops, hotel units, or a combination thereof. Both new and resale commercial properties are accepted. The investment can be made either personally or through a company owned by the applicant.

C) Investment in a Cyprus Company

For entrepreneurs and business-minded investors, this route allows for active participation in the local economy.

Investment Threshold: An investment of at least €300,000 in the share capital of a company that is registered, based, and operating in the Republic of Cyprus.

Substance Requirements: The company must have a proven physical presence in Cyprus and employ a minimum of five people, contributing to local job creation.

Unique Benefit: This is the only investment category that allows the principal applicant to be appointed as a salaried director of the company in which they have invested, providing an opportunity for direct involvement and earned income within Cyprus.

D) Investment in Cyprus Investment Funds

This option is suited for investors who prefer a more passive, managed investment in a diversified portfolio.

Investment Threshold: An investment of at least €300,000 in units of a Cyprus Investment Organisation of Collective Investments (such as AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).

Professional Management: These funds are regulated and offer a way to invest in the Cypriot economy without the direct responsibilities of property management or running a business.

Financial Requirements Beyond the Investment

Beyond the initial capital outlay, the Cypriot government requires applicants to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. This ensures that the investor and their family can support themselves without being a burden on the state’s social welfare system.

Base Income Requirement

The principal applicant must demonstrate a secured annual income of at least €50,000. This income must be stable and come from legal sources such as a salary, pension, dividends, rental income, or fixed deposits.

Additional Income for Dependents

The required annual income increases to accommodate family members. The applicant must show an additional:

€15,000 for the spouse
€10,000 for each dependent child

So, a family with a spouse and two children would need to demonstrate a total secured annual income of €50,000 + €15,000 + €10,000 + €10,000 = €85,000.

Source of Income Rules

The regulations regarding the origin of this annual income vary depending on the chosen investment category.

For applicants who choose Category (A) Residential Real Estate, the entire proven income must be derived from sources outside of Cyprus. However, the spouse’s income can be included in the calculation to meet the total threshold.

For applicants investing in Categories (B), (C), or (D), income from activities within Cyprus is considered. In these cases, the spouse’s income is not taken into account in the calculation.

Defining and Including Family Members in Your Application

The Cyprus Golden Visa program is designed to be family-centric, allowing a single application to cover the entire immediate family, ensuring a smooth migration process for everyone.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

The permanent residence permit automatically covers the following family members:

The Spouse: The principal applicant’s legal spouse is included.

Minor Children: All children under the age of 18 are included without additional conditions.

Dependent Adult Children (Students): Unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 25 can be included, provided they are financially dependent on the applicant and are registered as students in a higher education institution (e.g., a university). They must provide proof of their student status.

Including Adult, Non-Dependent Children

The program also provides a unique solution for families with adult children who do not qualify as students. These non-dependent children can be included in the same application, but this requires an increased investment.

Additional Investment: For each non-dependent adult child included, the principal applicant must invest an additional €300,000.

Proof of Payment: Upon application, proof of payment of at least 66% of the acquisition cost of the real estate must be submitted for this additional investment.

Independent Income: Each adult child must be able to demonstrate that they have a secured annual income of at least €50,000 at their disposal. This amount increases by €15,000 for their spouse and €10,000 for each of their children, should they have a family of their own.

Joint Investment: The investment can be made jointly in the names of the principal applicant and the adult child.

This provision is incredibly valuable for wealthy families seeking to establish a multi-generational presence in Europe, enabling parents, children, and even grandchildren to gain permanent residency under a unified family plan.

Documentation and Costs for Family Applications

A successful application hinges on meticulous preparation of all necessary documents. While the process is straightforward, attention to detail is paramount.

Essential Documents for All Applicants

Every person included in the application (principal applicant, spouse, and children) will need to provide:

A valid passport with at least two years remaining
A clean criminal record certificate from their country of origin and current residence
A formal statement confirming they do not intend to undertake any form of employment in Cyprus (except directorship under investment Category C)

Specific Documents for Spouses and Children

To prove family ties, additional documentation is required:

For Spouses: An original marriage certificate, officially translated into English or Greek and duly certified (e.g., with an Apostille stamp).

For Children: Original birth certificates for all children, also translated and certified.

For Dependent Students (18-25): An official letter from their university or college confirming their enrollment for the current academic year, along with evidence of financial dependency (e.g., bank statements showing regular transfers from the parent).

Associated Fees and Costs

Applicants should budget for costs beyond the primary investment. These typically include:

Government Application Fees: Fees for both the application process and for the issuance of the Alien Registration Card (ARC) to all family members
Legal Fees: It is highly recommended to engage the services of an experienced immigration professional to navigate the process
VAT on Property: A significant cost when purchasing real estate
Stamp Duty and Transfer Fees: Standard taxes associated with property acquisition in Cyprus

Life in Cyprus for Golden Visa Families: Education and Healthcare

Securing residency is only the first step. The quality of life that awaits is what truly makes Cyprus a great choice for families. The island offers excellent social infrastructure, including high-standard education and comprehensive healthcare.

Overview of the Cypriot Education System

The education system in Cyprus is robust and diverse, catering to both local and international communities. Permanent residents and their children have full access to all levels of education.

Public Schools: The public education system is freely available. The language of instruction is Greek, but English is taught as a second language from an early age. It provides an excellent opportunity for children to become bilingual and fully integrate into the local culture.

Private International Schools: For families who prefer an English-language curriculum, Cyprus has a wide range of highly reputable private schools. These institutions offer internationally recognised programmes such as the British IGCSEs and A-Levels, or the International Baccalaureate (IB), which provide a seamless pathway to universities worldwide. Many of these schools are located in major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos.

Higher Education: Cyprus is also home to several well-regarded universities and colleges, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English. Furthermore, as residents of an EU member state, children will have easier access to and potentially lower tuition fees at universities across the European Union.

Access to Healthcare for Your Family

Cyprus boasts a modern and efficient healthcare system. Permanent residents are eligible to join the General Healthcare System (GHS), known locally as GESY.

Comprehensive Coverage: GESY provides universal, comprehensive healthcare coverage for all residents. It is funded through social contributions from income earners and the state. It gives patients the freedom to choose their doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers from both the public and private sectors that are contracted with the system.

Services Covered: The system covers everything from GP visits and specialist consultations to pharmaceuticals, laboratory tests, and inpatient hospital care.

Private Health Insurance: While the GESY system is excellent, applicants are typically required to have private medical insurance for the whole family as part of their initial residency application. This ensures they are covered from the moment they arrive until they are fully registered with GESY.

Key Conditions and Restrictions for PRP Holders

While the Golden Visa grants extensive rights, there are some critical conditions and restrictions that all permit holders and their dependents must adhere to.

Employment Restrictions

PRP holders are generally not permitted to work in Cyprus. Their secured annual income must come from sources outside of employment within the country. However, there are two key exceptions:

As mentioned earlier, an investor under Category (C) can be a salaried director of the Cyprus company in which they have invested
All PRP holders are permitted to be shareholders in a Cyprus-registered company and receive dividend income. They can also act as non-salaried directors.

Physical Presence Requirement

To maintain permanent residency status, the holder and their dependents cannot be absent from Cyprus for more than two consecutive years. If they are, the permit is automatically cancelled. This rule is generous compared to other countries, which often require a stay of several months per year.

Permit Interdependency

It is essential to understand that the residence permits of the spouse and children are directly linked to the principal investor’s permit. If, for any reason, the investor’s PRP is revoked or cancelled, the licenses of all their dependents will also be cancelled.

The Pathway from Permanent Residency to Cypriot Citizenship

For many families, permanent residency is a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal: European citizenship. The Cyprus PRP provides a clear and stable pathway to obtaining a Cypriot passport. After residing in Cyprus for a required period (which has been subject to change but is generally around seven years of legal residence), individuals can apply for naturalisation.

Obtaining Cypriot citizenship grants the holder a powerful EU passport, which brings a wealth of benefits, including:

The right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states, plus Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to numerous countries and territories worldwide
Access to world-class social security, education, and healthcare systems across the EU

This long-term potential makes the initial investment in Cyprus residency not just a plan for a better lifestyle, but a strategic decision for the future security and global mobility of the entire family.

How We Can Assist Your Family’s Application

Navigating the legal and financial landscape of a residency-by-investment program can be a complex process. At C. Savva & Associates LTD, our team of highly experienced immigration experts and Cyprus property consultants is here to provide expert guidance and support at every step of your journey.

We assist international clients with all aspects of preparing and filing a PRP application. Our services include:

Initial Consultation: A detailed discussion to understand your family’s specific needs and recommend the best investment route.

Investment Sourcing: Helping you find qualifying residential or commercial properties, or connecting you with reputable investment funds and business opportunities.

Legal Preparation: Meticulously preparing all application forms and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with government regulations.

Application Submission and Follow-up: Submitting your application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department and liaising with the authorities on your behalf until approval is granted.

Ancillary Services: Assisting with opening a Cyprus bank account, creating an AML/KYC file, and providing advice on personal tax residency and corporate structuring.

With Cyprus’s Schengen Area accession by 2026, enhancing the mobility benefits for entire families, the strategic timing for securing your family’s European future through Cyprus residency has never been more compelling. For further information on obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus for you and your family, please contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Phone: +357 22 516 671
Email: [email protected]